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When it comes to fantasy football, the allure of a high-upside running back can be irresistible. Yet, every seasoned manager knows the frustration that accompanies committee backfields. These backfields, often a staple in the NFL, can turn promising draft picks into week-to-week headaches.
The committee approach, where two or more running backs share the workload, can severely cap the fantasy potential of even the most talented players. Understanding and identifying these potential committee backfield busts can be the difference between a championship run and a season filled with regret.
This article will dive into the landscape of committee running backs for the upcoming fantasy football season. By examining past performances, current team dynamics, and coaching tendencies, we aim to pinpoint which backfields will most likely disappoint. Whether it's the ambiguity of split carries, the unpredictability of game scripts, or the looming threat of injuries, committee backfields present a minefield for fantasy managers. Through detailed analysis, we will highlight the running backs who, despite their perceived value, might not live up to their draft-day price tags.
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Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard, now with the Tennessee Titans, faces a challenging path that could lead to a disappointing fantasy football season. One major issue is the likely committee approach with second-year running back Tyjae Spears. Spears finished with 100 rushes and 52 receptions in his rookie season with the Titans and is already starting to get praise in training camp. With new coaches in Tennessee, the team sounds as if they are trending towards working with the "hot hand" throughout the regular season.
#Titans OC Nick Holz: Letting Pollard, Spears go drive by drive right now as team figures out what each back does best ... Tentative plan looking ahead is going with hot hand in regular season.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) July 31, 2024
The Titans are known for their run-heavy offense, but under new head coach Brian Callahan, they also likely understand the importance of keeping their backs fresh. Spears, a dynamic and versatile runner, is expected to carve out a significant role, potentially taking away valuable touches from Pollard. This shared workload could severely limit Pollard's opportunities for high-volume games and goal-line carries, making it difficult for him to deliver consistent fantasy production.
Furthermore, the Titans' offensive dynamics may not be the most conducive to Pollard's success. The team is built around the run game, but Nick Holz, now at OC, may change how the offense looks. The team already upgraded its receiving game heavily as it invested in veterans Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd.
Pollard may struggle to find his place in an offense that might not fully utilize his strengths, especially if the Titans lean heavily on using a two-back system. With these factors in play, fantasy managers should be cautious about drafting Pollard too high, as his ADP is around the 7th round for most leagues. The committee situation and the Titans' existing offensive scheme could significantly hinder his potential for a breakout season.
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren face potential challenges, including a fragile offense and a crowded running back room in 2024. The biggest concern for Harris, the starter on paper, is being on a horrible offense, and he's alongside the emerging committee with Jaylen Warren. Warren, who has shown flashes of brilliance as a complementary back, is expected to take on a more significant role this season and could even surpass Harris.
Last year, Harris totaled 284 touches, while Warren finished with 210. Consistent volume is key for a running back to be a reliable fantasy asset, and a shared backfield with Warren on an already horrible offense threatens to diminish Harris' workload significantly.
The Steelers' offensive dynamics may not favor Harris or Warren's fantasy success. With the team looking to improve its passing game and develop a more balanced offensive attack under quarterback Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, Harris might find himself in fewer favorable running situations. The offensive line has had its share of struggles and adds another layer of uncertainty to Harris' performance. If the line fails to create consistent running lanes, and with Warren cutting into his touches, Harris could struggle to produce the numbers fantasy managers have expected from a high draft pick.
Given these factors, Harris and Warren's potential to have great years seems unlikely in 2024. Stay away from the Steelers' backfield.
If you’re starting a Steelers RB… it’s Najee or bust for me. Harris struggled behind that line.. what do you think Jaylen Warren is gonna do with less work? @croucherJD @peacockTV @NBCSEdgeFB pic.twitter.com/op4ph3Y46p
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) September 13, 2022
Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
Since Matt LaFleur became the Packers' head coach in 2019, balance and rotation have always characterized the running back position. Aaron Jones has been the lead back since 2019, but he regularly shares carries with strong second and sometimes third options to lighten his load during the season. With Josh Jacobs on the team, I wouldn’t expect much to change in the system. LaFleur essentially confirmed this at a recent media availability during training camp.
When asked whether he wanted to keep a similar split of carries as he had done in previous seasons, LaFleur said, “We’ll see. Philosophically, no matter who the runner is, we like to platoon those guys, whether it's two guys or three guys.”
#Packers HC Matt LaFleur on Josh Jacobs:
“He can be a high-volume guy. Just studying him, I think there’s more out there for him, in regards to the passing game, using him out of the backfield.”
LaFleur on the backfield split:
“You guys know how I feel philosophically — I… pic.twitter.com/8k7jlCqo3y
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) March 26, 2024
Backup running back AJ Dillion is entering his fifth season with the Packers. He saw 178 carries in 2023, and the team also drafted rookie MarShawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Both running backs will be involved in the offense this year, which will limit Jacobs' potential opportunity.
Jacobs is being drafted in the late third or early fourth round in PPR-formatted leagues as a low-end RB1. He is a fantastic talent, but he is now entering an offense where the platoon system has always been successful. Last season, he finished as the RB28, one year removed from an RB3 finish. Knowing how the Packers are going to work their running backs, this is a committee I'm staying away from come draft day.
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